Devon Cricket League C Division West

Whitchurch Wayfarers 1st XI 131 for 10,

Kingsbridge 1st XI 132 for 10.

Kingsbridge won by one run

Kingsbridge travelled to Whitchurch on a fine, sunny day. The pitch looked a bit green, but on winning the toss Westlake elected to bat.

There was bounce and movement in the pitch and Kings were immediately in trouble, losing early wickets driving when they probably should have been leaving. Westlake made 19 as kings tumbled to 45 for five.

The first four wickets all went to Charlie Barriball. De Silva and Ellis then staged a mini-­recovery, putting on 28, but wickets continued to fall on a helpful pitch. De silva was ­finally out for 37 as Kingsbridge managed to hoist their total to give the bowlers something to bowl for. Ollie Robinson chipped in with 11 and extras 26.

Kingsbridge felt 150 would have been competitive, and the bowlers went about their work. Whitchurch certainly had the best of the pitch and the bowlers little luck.

Rosewarne bowled a top opening spell, removing the dangerous Billy Barriball, but although they were keeping it tight Whitchurch were slowly compiling runs, and when Charlie Barriball hit a rapid 36 to take the home side to 89 for three, the writing looked to be on the wall. However, de Silva had other ideas, immediately removing him and picking up two other quick wickets.

Rosewarne was also reintroduced; he struck to finish on two for 12 from his nine, with Whitchurch now on 103 for seven. De Silva then finished his spell with four for 29 – 30 were required with plenty of overs in hand.

Number five Powell was still at the crease, having benefitted from a couple of lives, and the bowling was now in the hands of Westlake and Bradbury.

The eighth wicket took the total to 119 before a smart catch by Treeby stood up off Westlake removed Kerswill for 10. Westlake struck again and 119 for nine saw the game ebb towards Kings.

Powell, who had hardly played a shot in anger, decided now was the time and took the attack to Kings. An overthrow took Whitchurch to 131, but more importantly took Powell off strike. Westlake immediately removed the number 11, seeing Kings to an unlikely one-run win.

Westlake took last three wickets in a fine spell to finish with three for 20 from his seven overs.

The match ball was kindly sponsored by The Wine Room.